Lynn Bassanese (center), director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, talks about FDR's desk -- the only Oval Office desk in any presidential library in the U.S. (Freeman photo by Tania Barricklo)

A papier-mache sphinx bearing FDR's face has been part of the library and museum's collection since 1941. (Freeman photo by Tania Barricklo)

HYDE PARK, N.Y. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt was an ardent believer in the past informing the future. Concomitant with that opinion was the 32nd president's contention that the records of the presidency belong to the people.

In merging both views, Roosevelt created a presidential library and museum, the nation's first, on the grounds of Springwood, his beloved family home in Hyde Park.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum was dedicated on June 30, 1941, while FDR still was in office. The National Archives and Records Administration, a federal agency, now operates the facility.

Except for two wings added in 1972 to celebrate the accomplishments of first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, little was done to maintain or upgrade the building. The roof leaked and sewage backed up into the basement, among numerous other issues.

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Finally, after years of inaction, Congress allocated $35 million for restoration and stabilization of the historic site. It will be rededicated on Sunday, exactly 72 years after the first dedication. (The rededication is by invitation only but will be webcast live at www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu starting at 11 a.m.)

Lynn Bassanese, library and museum director, guided a preopening day tour of the nearly complete renovation on Thursday.

"Almost 40 years ago, I sat in this lobby waiting to be interviewed for a part-time job," Bassanese said. "I got the job, and it was the best decision of my life.

"This site is unique among the 12 other presidential libraries because it was designed by a sitting president," Bassanese said. "FDR had his study here and used it several times to record the Fireside Chats."

Bassanese said the renovation project, called "A New Deal for a New Generation," presents vast sources of archival materials through state-of-the-art technology.

"So many benefits that we take for granted -- Social Security, minimum wage, child labor laws -- are a direct inheritance from the Roosevelt presidency," Bassanese said.

"We want a new generation to understand how the New Deal contributes to their quality of life today, she said.

Bassanese said the two-phase, three-year renovation brings the library's archives and museum up to the National Archives' standards for the preservation of historic collections while preserving the building's historic appearance

The work included new drainage, landscaping, slate and copper roofing, windows and doors, exterior stone repointing and new bluestone walkways, as well as upgrading all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security and fire protection systems. The building also was made fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bassanese said the footprint of the building did not change during the renovation but the museum gained 3,000 square feet of exhibition space.